GhostPractice Reviews

The ease of finding information and being able to generate reports instantaneously. Having used previous software where it would take almost a day to generate some reports, this is a huge timesaver. It is also nice to have a place to save all of our file documentation and have it at the tip of our fingertips instead of pulling a paper file.

The GhostPractice integration with Conveyancer/Unity is also a huge asset. Not having to manually enter the dockets is a huge timesaver, especially with our busy real estate practice.

There are a few features we would like to see improved.

1. The ability to save PDFs directly to a file instead of having to save them to a folder on the computer first.
2. The ability to have the file owner automatically designated as the split fee earner on the file (with the ability to change this if need be).

What I like most about GhostPractice is that it does what it is supposed to do without any drama. Most of the practice management software packages sell themselves on enhancing efficiency. But GhostPractice is the first one that we have encountered that does that - no fuss, no muss. I also have to add that our experience with installation, data migration, training, support, etc., has been great. Again, no fuss, no muss.

If GhostPractice has any weak points or areas where it could improve, I would identify the GUI as something that some users may find a little off-putting, simply because it seems a little out-of-date. A bit of a face-lift wouldn't go amiss but it works fine as-is. I would also add that the terminology that is sometimes used in GhostPractice belies its developmental origins in South Africa; they could work on being more market-neutral in that regard. Finally, perhaps a slightly better/tighter integration with Outlook. Again, GhostPractice works well with Microsoft but making it even more seamless would be great.

The primary consideration was lawyers' ability to efficiently keep track of their daily time dockets. This need was easily met by GP. On the accounting side, GP provided the ability to create monthly invoices directly from the GP platform. Other options necessitated purchase and integration of additional software applications in order to manage docketing, billing, and day-to-day accounting processes.

On the billing side, it would be extremely helpful to have the ability to move multiple dockets from one matter to another. (Currently, this can only be completed by moving one docket at a time.)

From the timekeeper's vantage point, it would be great for each to be able to access a monthly calendar view (not a list) of progress towards monthly and quarterly billing goals. (This is a function of PCLaw that is greatly missed!)

Definitely access to information. At any time information about the Firm's performance is available and easy to find, as is information about each user's performance. Reporting options are endless.

Being new to document management software, we are also very keen on the level of oversight we now have over our files. Management of the workflow is transparent and easy to manage. Utilizing tasks is key. At any time, anyone can now review a file, understand its' status and next steps (and who is responsible for those steps).

Not necessarily a con, but something to consider - everyone has to be open to the change. As with any software change, we have had to let go of our "old ways" and be open to new (and better) approaches. Everything that our old software does, GP does (but better!), it just may be in a different place or called something slightly different. Getting everyone to buy in to the change in advance is essential to a smooth transition.

From a practical standpoint, the level of customization can have its' drawbacks. While it is wonderful to be able to have endless number of departments, each customized to the workflow of that department (in terms of folder structure, event sets, etc.), it does make reporting more difficult. Multiple reports need to be generated to see overall data. For example, you may create several different departments for your Family Law practice, based on the nature of the file (i.e., negotiations vs. collaborative vs. Court). While this optimizes the workflow/document management end of GP, by doing so you have now created the need to run multiple reports to see the overall performance of your Family Law practice.

The software is extremely intuitive and very customizable. The interface is easy to navigate and train staff to use.

As a debt litigation firm, some of the functionalities could not be specifically tailored to our needs. This is not unusual for pre-programmed software; however, the GP team worked with our firm to strategize how to use other functions for our required needs.

The fact that it was a full practice management tool that prompted users to docket time whenever they performed a function such as a letter, e-mail, telephone call etc. There was one place to go to find everything relating to the matter and from a lawyers perspective when they were working on a matter or discussing things with a client they could see all the financial detail on the files and whether there was outstanding accounts receivable, whether there was a retainer in place and what the current level of WIP and outstanding disbursements were.

Certain reports that our team was used to having could not be obtained from the stock reports but the Ghostpractice Team were very responsive in being willing to recreate the type of report that we wanted.

The financial side of the software is great. It is somewhat cumbersome to learn but fine when you use it extensively. I like that you have file management and financial management in one software. It is reliable.

The file management side requires a viewing screen to view emails and other documents instead of having to open each one. It needs a reminder for key dates. The financial side is a bit too restrictive in that you cannot simply delete something that was not done correctly rather you have do a negative transaction in order to correct a simple error.

It really saves time and it lifts a heavy load off my shoulders.

I am a very skeptical person so this is more of a safety concern than a negative, but just worried that my data is not secured in enough.